There are a number of distinct time periods for Gibson’s serial numbers, where the systems differed. The first 5 numbers remain the same, the last 3 numbers will remain the same. Gibson guitar serial numbers are, like a lot of serial number systems from guitar manufacturers, a complicated beast. There are many exceptions, and of course many other brands out there, but now you can tell how old most Fenders or Gibsons are within seconds. If it’s plastic it isn’t a true Gibson. Looking for Gibson Guitars? Check the wiring. Click HERE. Modern numbers are 9 digits but older/vintage Gibson guitars are much shorter. There you have it! Make sure the pickup cavity is not painted black inside. Gibson's solid bodys were released in 1952. Gibson® How to determine the date of production/manufacture or age of Gibson® HVAC Systems. I am looking to buy a Gibson Les Paul off eBay, but I want to verify that it is a genuine USA Gibson so Im not cheated out of my money. Gibson serial numbers 1952 to 1961, solidbody model. Starting in 1961, Gibson implemented a new serialization system designed to cover its entire lineup. Depending on the age of the guitar contacting Gibson might help. For acoustic instruments, the serial number is typically located inside the sound hole at the neck joint or on a piece of paper glued inside the guitar and visible through the sound hole. The serial number on this Les Paul Junior indicates that it was made in 1956. So double check the serial numbers on those 1970s L-5s, Super 400s, and Super 5 BJBs! The date of production/manufacture or age of Gibson® HVAC equipment can be determined from the serial number located on the data plate. Only the newer ones have the year on them so it's not necessarily a fake if it's not there. NOTE - Gibson USA goes to a 9 digit serial number in early July 2005.. When all else fails, contact Gibson Customer Service at 1-800-4GIBSON. A number stamped with ink on the back of the headstock. Locate the serial number on your Gibson. Gibson did not use serial numbers at that time but started in 1953. In 1994, Gibson's Centennial year, many instruments have a serial number that begins with "94" for the year, with the remaining 6 digits indicating the ranking number. On electric guitars, the serial number is generally printed on the back of the headstock. Many specialty sites get in-depth at identifing guitars (mylespaul, lespaulforum). continued to use the 6 digit serial numbers through 1978 and 1979. It should have a serial number on top. But with a little bit of research you should be able to find out when your Gibson was built and in some cases where.. The internet is a good start. It should come back as a 2008 Standard made in 2009 in Honeyburst. Early Gibson solidbody electrics received a serial stamp on the back of the headstock, with the first number indicating the year of production. Check the control and pickup cavities for sloppy routing or wiring. 1961-1969. It should also have "Made in USA" underneath the serial number. A serial number ending in 501 could be the first instrument made at factory #5 that day, or it could be the 501 st instrument of the day. Always ask for the Gibson Owner’s Manual and Gibson Warranty Inspection card. Next, check for the serial number on the back of the headstock. The first digit of the series number is the last digit of the year. Gibson’s F O N System In addition to the above serial number information, Gibson also used Factory Order Numbers (F O N) to track batches of instruments being produced at the time. Many thanks, JSands Parent … Gibson USA 2014 to present – These serial numbers cannot be dated to a specific day of the year. The sixth number is now a batch number- batch 0 starts at the beginning of the day, and once we stamp 699, the batch number will change to 1. Can you check the serial number 009790568 please. 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